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2019 DATES
Jul 1 – Jul 5Jul 8 – Jul 12Jul 15 – Jul 19Jul 22 – Jul 26Jul 29 – Aug 2Aug 5 – Aug 9Aug 12 – Aug 16Aug 19 – Aug 23Aug 26 – Aug 30
Signature Yellowstone + Grand Teton | 5-Day Camping Trip
DURATION:
5 Days/4 Nights
AVAILABILITY:
July-August
GROUP SIZE:
Max 12
STARTS IN:
Salt Lake City
ENDS IN:
Salt Lake City
TRIP STYLE:
Camping
Overview
This 5-Day (4 nights camping) adventure provides an immersed experience in two of North America’s most iconic and wild destinations: Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks of northwest Wyoming. Get ready to check mark bucket list items such as Old Faithful geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, Mormon Row Historic District, and other famous features. Partake in numerous hikes to stunning vistas, a scenic rafting trip down the Snake River, and enjoy free time to explore the eclectic mountain town of Jackson Hole.
MountainBased in an authorized Permittee of the National Park Service
Trip Highlights
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- Camp 2 nights just outside Grand Teton National Park and 2 nights around Yellowstone National Park
- All camping gear included (Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sheets, pillow)
- Go wildlife viewing and possibly see animals such as bison, bears, elk, and moose
- Expert guides who will provide in depth knowledge about the area’s history, flora, fauna, geology, etc.
- See famous geysers, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and climb a mountain in Yellowstone National Park
- Experience the famous mountain town – Jackson Hole
- Take a leisure rafting trip down the Snake River through the heart of the Tetons
- Enjoy healthy cooked meals that are prepared for you throughout your trip!
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Salt Lake City & Explore Grand Teton National Park
Departing from our Gateway Hotel near downtown Salt Lake City, we cut through the Wasatch Mountains and begin heading north 5-hours. Upon our arrival to Grand Teton National Park, we will explore the historic district of Mormon Row, then drive to Jenny Lake for an afternoon hike up to Inspiration Point. After exploring Jenny Lake, we will continue to our campground to set up camp nestled in the forest beneath the Teton Range. Your guides will prepare a hearty home-made dinner while you relax by the campfire for the evening.
Driving time: 5 Hours
Hiking: Inspiration Point or similar – 2-4 miles
Accommodation: Camping outside Grand Teton National Park
Day 2: Rafting the Snake River & Evening in Jackson Hole
Awake to nature’s chorus, cowboy coffee, and a delicious breakfast before commencing a leisurely rafting trip down the Snake River. Enjoy incredible views of the Tetons while you float along listening to knowledge of the park imparted by your rafting guide. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the river such as moose, elk, deer, and bears on this 3 hour rafting trip! After the rafting, we will see several additional features of the park before returning to camp to relax.
This afternoon and evening we will be spent in the unique town of Jackson, WY. You’ll have free time to explore quaint shops, local breweries, art galleries, and the Town Square with its arches made of shed antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge. We’ll reassemble for a group dinner before heading back our campground for another peaceful night under the stars.
Driving time: Local
Hiking: Minimal this day
Accommodation: Camping outside Grand Teton National Park
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park (Visit Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic)
Depart from Grand Teton National Park and venture north 2 hours to the world’s very first national park, Yellowstone! Designated a National Park in 1872, this park is known for its geothermal activity, abundant wildlife, and variety of ecosystems. Sitting atop the world’s largest supervolcano, Yellowstone is a living, breathing park that is ever changing. This day we will visit the famous Old Faithful Geyser and see the striking colors of Grand Prismatic Hot Spring.
Every drive through this park is essentially a North American Safari with the best chances to spot moose, bison, elk, grizzly or black bears, deer, and possibly even wolves that were reintroduced to the Yellowstone ecosystem in 1996.
This evening we will set up our new campsite near Yellowstone National Park. Your guides will make a delicious dinner and we’ll relax by the campfire.
Driving time: 2 Hours
Hiking: 3-6 miles – minimal elevation gain
Accommodation: Camping near West Yellowstone, Montana
Day 4: Mt. Washburn, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone + Mammoth Hot Springs
Today we hike to the top of Mt. Washburn for fantastic panoramic views of Yellowstone. This hike ascends nearly 1,300 feet from the trailhead up a dirt path and reaches the peak at over 10,000 feet in elevation. Additionally, this day we will explore the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone where you’ll truly understand where the park gets it’s name. Here you will see an iconic viewpoint of Lower Yellowstone Falls that drops over 300 feet.
This afternoon we will explore Mammoth Hot Springs as we tour a scenic loop around the park. Again, we’ll have great chances to see wildlife, most certainly bison, which are the largest land mammal in North America at nearly 2,000 lbs.
This evening we will return to camp after exploring several more geothermic geyser basins.
Driving time: 2-3 Hours
Hiking: 7 miles +/- 1,300 feet
Accommodation: Camping near West Yellowstone, Montana
Day 5: Depart Yellowstone, Henry’s Lake State Park + Return to Salt Lake City
Today we pack our gear and begin our trek back to Salt Lake City. Along the way, we will make a stop at Henry’s Lake State Park for a scenic hike. This park attracts a variety of migratory birds as they take advantage of the wetland/marsh habitat. Also, this park sits just 2 miles south of the Continental Divide that splits the watersheds of North America, with one side draining towards the Pacific Ocean and the other to the Atlantic.
We will stop for lunch along the way and provide ample opportunities to stretch your legs this afternoon as we continue on to Salt Lake City. We plan to return to Salt Lake City by approximately 6:00pm this evening.
Driving time: 5 Hours
Hiking: 3-5 miles
What to Bring
Check out a more in-depth list of what to bring here.
Our Reviews
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Let me start by saying I haven't camped since I was in Girl Scouts. My sister has wanted to visit Utah's National Parks for some time and finally convinced us (myself, my other sister, and our mom) to go. I am so glad she did...More 
kellybenesh
11/08/2018 First off, I’ve delayed my review because it still seems so surreal to me. It’s almost impossible to put it into words. These guys truly are passionate about what they do. This is not a job for them. When they say this is a family...More 
Jamie F
10/21/2018 My wife and I booked the MountainBased 5 day Lodging Tour of National Parks in southern Utah. We came away with an unforgettable experience and the desire to see more of our national parks. The most important word I can use to describe our tour...More 
Sven M
10/11/2018 - Amazing experience! I I truly enjoyed my experience as a solo traveler with the mountain based company! We covered many national and state parks without feeling rushed! Nick, Jared and James, our tour guides, were always enthusiastic and very knowledgeable! This is a great tour...More
cmancuso818
10/12/2018 Trip exceeded my expectations. Justin and Eric (our guides) were competent, caring and a whole lot of fun. Thank you for creating a trip I will always treasureCan’t wait for Tetons 2019! Turtlenj
10/09/2018 This trip was by far the coolest I've ever experienced. Justin and Jared were both very informative guides that are truly passionate about exploring and sharing the breath taking beauty Utah has to offer. They catered the trip to us and met all of our...More 
Adham B
11/12/2018 - Mountainbased are amazing tour guides! I had the most incredible time exploring the beautiful national parks in Utah with them. Highlight of my trip to the US!
Njhw696
1/25/2019 Based on other 5 star reviews, I chose MountainBased to see the mighty five national parks and it was one of the best travel decisions I have ever made. 
JayL1996
10/14/2018 Mind-boggling trip - and potentially life-changing. Thank you Justin and Jared for your wisdom, guidance and spirit. 
Pioneer17318755863
11/10/2018
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DepartureMain Lobby at the Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown - 285 West Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
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Departure TimePlease arrive by 7:15AM (07:15)
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Return TimeApproximately 6:00PM (18:00)
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IncludedRound-trip transportation in a brand new 15 passenger vanA highly experienced, professional guide (Certified Wilderness First Responder)Spacious top-quality tents, comfortable sleeping pads, and a warm sleeping bagAll National Park and camping feesEmergency equipment and first-aid kitFreshly prepared meals made each day and nightWe cover the majority of meals
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Not IncludedGuide gratuity (Recommended 15-20% of trip cost)Breakfast Day 1 + Dinner Day 5
